attachment

[uh-tach-muhnt]

noun

1. an act of attaching or the state of being attached.

2. a feeling that binds one to a person, thing, cause, ideal, or the like; devotion; regard.

   a fond attachment to his cousin; a profound attachment to the cause of peace.

   Synonyms: devotedness, love

3. Psychology.

   1. an emotional bond between an infant or toddler and primary caregiver, a strong bond being vital for the child’s normal behavioral and social development.

   2. an enduring emotional bond that develops between one adult and another in an intimate relationship.

      romantic attachment.

4. something that attaches; a fastening or tie.

   the attachments of a harness; the attachments of a pair of skis.

   Synonyms: connection, junction

5. an additional or supplementary device.

   attachments for an electric drill.

6. Law.,  seizure of property or person by legal authority, especially seizure of a defendant's property to prevent its dissipation before trial or to acquire jurisdiction over it.

7. something attached, as a document added to a letter.

8. Digital Technology.,  a computer or electronic file sent with an email.

attachment

/ əˈtætʃmənt /

noun

1. a means of securing; a fastening

2. (often foll by to) affection or regard (for); devotion (to)

   attachment to a person or to a cause

3. an object to be attached, esp a supplementary part

   an attachment for an electric drill

4. the act of attaching or the state of being attached

5. 1. the arrest of a person for disobedience to a court order

   2. the lawful seizure of property and placing of it under control of a court

   3. a writ authorizing such arrest or seizure

6. law the binding of a debt in the hands of a garnishee until its disposition has been decided by the court

Other Word Forms

• nonattachment noun
• overattachment noun
• preattachment noun
• reattachment noun
• self-attachment noun
• superattachment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of attachment¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English attachement “detention, distraint, seizure,” from Anglo-French; attach, -ment

Synonym Study

See addition.

Example Sentences

Dr. Lewis noted that the structure of the attachment appendage is crucial for restoration outcomes because it influences how rapidly a fragment becomes self-sustaining.

Read more on Science Daily

As with most things MAGA, her fears lie entirely in the realm of fantasy, driven by highly emotional imagery that allows her, and the movement more broadly, to abandon any lingering attachment to critical thinking.

Read more on Salon

"Our parents read it and made us read it. We do the same with our children. There is an ongoing attachment."

Read more on Barron's

What is certain is many in France are deeply shocked by the Louvre heist, having felt an emotional attachment to the jewels.

Read more on BBC

“Early research indicates that strong attachments to AI-generated characters may contribute to struggles with learning social skills and developing emotional connections,” the health advisory said.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• affinity 
• devotion 
• friendship 
• loyalty